U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced on Saturday. He is the first member of Arizona’s congressional delegation to test positive and at least the 11th member of Congress known to have tested positive for coronavirus.
The attending physician of the Capitol informed him on Friday, he said in a statement. As of Saturday, 72-year-old Democrat is feeling fine and has no symptoms. He’s currently self-isolating in his home in the Washington D.C. area and is hoping to make a speedy recovery.
On Tuesday, Grijalva was in a hearing with Texas Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert, who tested positive the next day. Grijalva said while he can’t blame anyone directly for his diagnosis, he has seen numerous Republican colleagues walk around the Capitol without a mask. Gohmert has been criticized for refusing to wear a mask.
“I urge all of us to recognize the severity of this virus and follow the CDC guidance to keep our family, friends, and loved ones safe. We can all play a part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," Grijalva said in his statement.
On Wednesday, after Gohmert’s positive test, Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a mask mandate for the House of Representatives.
Grijalva represents District 3 in southern Arizona and serves as the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.
